Giovanna Warner

Argentina’s presidential race heads toward a run-off as Massa challenges Milei.

The struggle to determine who will lead crisis-stricken Argentina is advancing to a run-off election next month between leftist contender Sergio Massa and far-right libertarian Javier Milei, as indicated by data released by Argentina’s National Electoral Chamber following the first round of voting on Sunday.

Once the polls closed, Massa secured the highest number of votes – 8,877,325, representing 36.33% of the total, according to the information disclosed. Milei received 7,373,876 votes – approximately 30.18%.

Candidate Patricia Bullrich, placing third, garnered 23.82% and acknowledged her defeat late Sunday evening.

Both candidates are striving for the country’s trust amid widespread discontent with the nation’s elite and its governance.

The results showcased a significant performance for the government coalition backing Massa, who currently serves as the Finance Minister as Argentina grapples with its most severe financial crisis in two decades.

Voter turnout exceeded 75%, with over 25 million Argentinians casting their votes, and more than 90% of ballots were counted, according to the election body.

“It has been a model day for Argentine democracy,” remarked Julio Vitobello, the presidency’s general secretary, at a press conference on Sunday night.

Inflation in Argentina has surged to 138%, as reported by Reuters, intensifying the strain on ordinary citizens trying to cope with the rising living costs.

“It’s incredibly tough. Every day things cost a bit more, it’s like constantly racing against time, searching and searching,” Laura Celiz conveyed to the news agency last month while shopping on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. “You buy whatever is cheaper in one place and go to another to purchase something else.”

After casting his vote in Buenos Aires on Sunday, current president Alberto Fernández praised the nation’s democracy on the social media platform X.

“I urge every Argentine to defend it and shape the future of the country at the polls,” he stated.

Bullrich, a former minister of safety, has conveyed to QT en Español that she would allow economists to oversee the finance ministry and maintain a steady hand at the helm, unlike Milei’s outbursts.

With extensive experience in national politics, she has recently endeavored to revitalize her image to attract younger voters, uploading viral challenges to YouTube and referencing her relationship with her cousin, singer Fabiana Cantilo in interviews.

Massa, who is part of the current administration, juggles a substantial ministerial portfolio that includes management of inflation, soybeans (the country’s leading export), and Argentina’s ties with the International Monetary Fund.

He has been striving to present himself as a more practical voice from the left, in contrast to the existing governmental coalition, and has endeavored to politically separate himself from Argentina’s prominent vice-president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner – without pushing away her support base.

Unlike his main competitors, the political newcomer Milei lacks significant governmental know-how and promises to revolutionize Argentina’s existing financial frameworks. For his backers, Milei’s pledges of transformation have been alluring.

Milei, a former financial analyst and self-styled “anarcho-capitalist” who brandishes a chainsaw at events, has proposed a series of radical reforms: adopting the dollar in Argentina, drastically cutting public subsidies, and abolishing the ministries of culture; education; environment; and women, gender, and diversity.

To secure victory in the initial round of elections, a presidential contender must obtain over 45% of the total votes or at least 40% along with a minimum 10-point margin over the runner-up.

Argentina’s next president will assume office in December and begin a four-year term.